'I did it against the world champions': Sobhana savours maiden ton

“I’m so happy about my hundred because I did it against the world champion,” said Sobhana Mostary after a landmark innings against Australia on Sunday.

The Bangladesh middle-order batter struck her maiden ODI century in the second match of the three-match series in Brisbane, setting several records despite the Tigresses suffering a heavy defeat as Australia clinched the series. 

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Although Australia are no longer the reigning world champions after India won the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, they remain the tournament’s most successful team, with a record seven titles, and are arguably the most dominant side in women’s cricket. At Allan Border Field, the venue for the second ODI against Bangladesh, Australia had won all 22 of their previous matches before this fixture. 

Walking in with Bangladesh reeling at 8-3 after being put into bat, Mostary produced a superb 118 off 134 balls to help the visitors recover to 220-6, their highest ODI total against Australia. She became the first Bangladesh batter to score an WODI century against Australia and on Australian soil, while her knock surpassed Fargana Hoque’s 107 against India in 2022 to become the highest individual score by a Bangladesh batter in the format. Her 18 fours also contributed to a record for the most boundaries hit by a Bangladesh batter in a single innings.

Mostary found an ideal partner in skipper Nigar Sultana Joty, with the pair putting on 195 runs – Bangladesh’s highest partnership for any wicket in women’s ODIs. Joty remained unbeaten on 74 off 114 deliveries.

Mostary credited their partnership and a clear plan for helping her reach the milestone.

“I thought about my batting style after getting out in the last game and how I could bat deep,” she said. “When I went in, Joty told me to stay there and that we should stay together until the 40th over. We decided to play our own shots, punish the bad balls and respect the good ones. She always told me I was capable of scoring a hundred.”

She added that the pair had planned to bat deep into the innings, with each playing to her strengths and supporting the other.

However, Mostary’s resistance was overshadowed by Australia’s formidable chase. Georgia Voll smashed an unbeaten 131 off 97 balls, while Phoebe Litchfield made 70 as the opening pair added 162 runs. Australia reached 222-1 in just 28.1 overs, with Voll named Player of the Match.

Australia captain Tahlia McGrath praised Mostary’s effort despite the result.

“The century was pretty special. It was a good innings, and I’m pretty happy for her, to be honest,” McGrath said.

“They showed really good intent today, got us thinking a bit more about our field changes, and it was awesome to see them post a total like that.”